DAHLONEGA –
Averie Jones knocked down eight 3-pointers on her way to a career-high 30 points as the (RV) University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team erupted for a 121-64 non-conference win over Southern Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.
North Georgia (5-4) posted a new program record for single game scoring as the Nighthawks shot a blistering 66% percent (46-70) from the field and 52% percent (16-31) from beyond the arc. The Nighthawks exploded for 42 first quarter points, hitting 16 of their first 20 shots which included connecting on their first eight 3-point attempts, to seize full control of the game early. North Georgia led 30-4 at the halfway media timeout of the first quarter.
Jones finished 11 of 16 from the field and 8 of 11 from 3-point range to pace five Nighthawks in double figures.
Hannah Cail added 16 points and seven assists, while
Caroline Martin scored 16 points of her own to go with four rebounds and five assists.
Kendall Emener was a perfect 7-for-7 from the floor for 17 points, and
Ava McGlockton contributed 14 points and five boards.
Zaynah Preston orchestrated the offense with 11 assists and 11 points, helping UNG rack up a season-best 37 assists on 46 made field goals. Her 11 helpers were just two shy of the program record.
The Nighthawks dominated the glass 48-19 and outscored SWU 54-18 in the paint.
Southern Wesleyan (1-5) was led by Savanna Nicholson's 15 points on four made threes, while Makayla Raines added 10.
The Nighthawks' 46 made field goals is also a new school record and the 16 made 3-pointers was one shy of a new program benchmark.
North Georgia will now turn its attention to Peach Belt Conference play with the league opener on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Clayton State.
